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Running a marathon in the hot April sunshine might not sound like everyone’s idea of fun - but for our brilliant colleague Isabel, it turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of her life. Just a year after taking on the Brighton Half for The Girls’ Network, she laced up again - this time for the full marathon distance at the 2025 TCS London Marathon. We're so proud and grateful to Isabel for walking the walk (well, running the run!) and showing girls in our network that they can do hard things. Read about her experience here:

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Running a marathon was one of the most joyful experiences of my life - and it was also something I swore I’d never do. I love a half marathon, but a full 42.2km always seemed a bit overkill, if I’m being honest.

That said, when the opportunity came up to run the 2025 London Marathon on behalf of The Girls’ Network, I jumped at the chance. How would I manage a whole marathon? That was something I could figure out later. What mattered was the chance to be part of something bigger than myself once again, just a year after running the Brighton Half, also for The Girls’ Network (can you sense a theme?).

So many wonderful things have come out of saying yes: I’ve witnessed my incredible colleagues rally around me, pushed past mental barriers (“there’s no way I can run for that long!”), and seen so many people vocalise their support for the work this charity does. On the day, the energy of the runners and crowds had me feeling emotional before the race even started. What made the day truly incredible was the experience of being part of a collective, especially after so many long and lonely solo training runs.

I made sure to high five as many spectators as possible, (try to) find everyone I knew in the crowds, and thank the community of wonderful strangers who came out in full force with sweets, signs, and the most amazing encouragement to keep going. Crossing the finish line felt surreal; I’d done something I never even imagined wanting to do—something that seemed unattainably hard and, honestly, a bit unpleasant—and I couldn’t stop smiling.

The community I had the privilege of experiencing was what carried me through. And that’s also the joy of being involved in The Girls’ Network. Even when it’s something you might be scared to try, the chance to do something outside your comfort zone and connect with other people you wouldn’t otherwise meet is an incredibly special opportunity. Shout out to our mentors and mentees who take this plunge!

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If you are inspired by Isabel's determination and want to show your support, you can still donate to her fundraising page here. Every pound raised helps us support more girls to believe in themselves and reach for their unlimited futures. 

Feeling inspired to take on a fundraising challenge of your own? 

Whether it’s a marathon, bake sale, sky dive or something else entirely, we’d love to hear from you. Drop us a line at [email protected] - we're here to help with ideas, encouragement, and everything you need to get started.